Illinois Expands ABLE Savings Accounts to More Residents with Disabilities

New rule raises eligibility age, nearly doubling the number of people who can open tax-free accounts for disability-related expenses.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois is expanding its ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings account program to include people with disabilities who became eligible before age 47, nearly doubling the number of residents who can now use the tax-advantaged accounts to save for disability-related expenses without risking their federal benefits.

Why it matters

The expansion allows thousands more Illinoisans with disabilities to set aside money for their needs without fear of losing critical federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which have strict asset limits. This gives families more financial security and flexibility to plan for the future.

The details

Previously, ABLE accounts were only available to people who acquired a disability before age 26. The new rule, announced by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, raises the eligibility age to 47, adding an estimated 250,000 people in Illinois and 6 million nationwide who can now open these tax-advantaged savings accounts.

  • The new ABLE account eligibility rule took effect in 2026.

The players

Michael Frerichs

Illinois State Treasurer who announced the expansion of the state's ABLE savings account program.

Stephanie Cantor

Director of the Illinois ABLE program, who says the expansion will allow her and thousands like her to save for disability-related expenses.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're happy to report that ABLE accounts are now available to anyone who acquired their disability before age 46, and I think this is a game changer for a lot of people.”

— Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer (FOX32 Chicago)

“Living with a disability just costs more, and it makes me think of all the ways an ABLE account could have been useful to me over the years to be able to save money and pay for these expenses.”

— Stephanie Cantor, Director, Illinois ABLE Program (FOX32 Chicago)

What’s next

Illinois has about 8,500 ABLE account holders who have saved $121 million so far. The state treasurer's office encourages anyone who thinks they may qualify to learn more and apply at illinoisable.com.

The takeaway

This expansion of Illinois' ABLE savings program is a significant step forward in helping people with disabilities and their families achieve greater financial security and independence. By nearly doubling the number of eligible Illinoisans, the state is empowering more individuals to save for their future without jeopardizing critical government benefits.